Barling’s Make Pre-Transition YOW Fossil EXEL Sandblasted Pot Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

Description

B. Barling and Sons was originally founded in 1812 by Benjamin Barling and began as a family business making silver-adorned meerschaum pipes. In the late 19th century, however, the Barling family began to produce what the brand is today most famous for—expertly made briar pipes.

Of all the Barling pipes that have ever been manufactured, both in briar and meerschaum, it is the so-called “pre-transition,” “family era” makes that are the most prized and sought after. These were the pipes produced back when B. Barling & Sons was owned and managed by the Barling family, before a buyout and transition in ownership occurred in 1960, and a second transition in management occurred in 1962—with the latter resulting in the Barling family being dismissed from the company entirely. As for pre-transition, family era briars, one significant reason that such pipes are so highly valued is their finishing. The early B. Barling and Sons company may not have been the first to use sandblasted finishes on their pipes, but it is certainly one of the most famous to do so. Rightly remembered for their typically wonderfully rich textures and excellent use of briar’s natural patterning, sandblasted family era Barlings like this one remain not only a firm favorite among collectors, but a model for many a modern artisan.

The condition is very good. Some rim darkening and general finish fading.

Details: 

Length: 5.4″ / 137.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.85 / 21.59mm

Bowl Depth: 1.44″ / 36.57mm

Weight: 1.2oz / 36g